Guadalest is probably the most visited village not only of this area, but also of the entire country… and once there, you’ll understand why. Located inland, aprox 30km from Benidorm and around 600 mt above sea level up in the mountains, it attracts millions of visitors every year. Access to the picture postcard village is through a 15 mt long tunnel, which has been carved out through the rock.
The number 16 bus goes daily, departing from the Plaza Triangular at 10:10am – first bus stop on the Avd Mediterraneo and only costs €7.50 return. The journey takes around an hour, winding through the towns of La Nucia and Pollop before heading up towards the mountains and onto Guadalest. The bus leaves to go back at 1:30pm so make sure you keep an eye on your watch otherwise it’ll be an expensive taxi ride back!
You should wear sensible footwear as there are a lot of steep steps to climb if you want to get to the top. Just follow the crowds – you will pass lots of gift shops selling everything from leather goods to wall hangings and pottery on your way up... most people leave with something.
There are plenty of little bars and restaurants where you can stop off for a nice cold drink and snack too. As you approach the tunnel there is a photographer taking pictures and then another one on the other side of the tunnel – there only use to be one so obviously a lucrative business!
There are four museums you can visit, 3 which charge an entrance fee – The Museo Microgigante, The Municipal Museum and Castle and the Minatures Museum, although only a few euros and one – the 18th Century Heritage House, which is free. Once you have passed all of these you get to the village square and to the right, the view which everyone comes for.
Over the cliff edge you get the most spectacular view of the turquoise reservoir, which sadly is very very low due to the lack of rainfall we have had. This reservoir supplies water to Benidorm and the surrounding areas and when there are forest fires nearby the helicopters skim it and collect water to put out the flames.
There is a solar powered boat that that you can take around the reservoir – but due to the insufficient water levels it is currently out of service. So next time the kids say "Im bored" after too many beach days try a trip to Gudalest... you won't be dissapointed.
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